China Aims for Global AI Leadership by 2030
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China Aims for Global AI Leadership by 2030
- China's AI industry is currently valued at over $70 billion, with more than 4,300 companies contributing to rapid growth.
- President Xi Jinping emphasized a vision of international cooperation for AI development at the World AI Conference in Shanghai in July 2026.
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China is actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2030, building on its “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” launched in 2017. The plan outlines a three-step approach, aiming for AI technology and applications to be synchronized with global advanced levels by 2020, achieving world leadership in some AI fields by 2025, and becoming the primary center for AI innovation by 2030.
The nation’s AI industry is already substantial, exceeding $70 billion in value with over 4,300 companies driving continuous breakthroughs. This growth is fueled by a combination of market forces and extensive government initiatives. Public funding plays a significant role, with China launching an $8.2 billion National AI Industry Investment Fund in January 2025.
President Xi Jinping has publicly championed a vision for AI development that emphasizes international cooperation, openness, and shared benefits. At the World AI Conference in Shanghai in July 2026, Xi called for AI development to be a “symphony of international cooperation” rather than a “solo performance by a single country.” This vision was further solidified with 29 nations signing an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), which aims to foster international cooperation and ensure the safe and equitable development of AI. China has also pledged 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years and plans to establish international AI application cooperation centers.
Domestically, China’s “AI Plus” initiative, expanded in 2025, focuses on integrating AI across various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and social governance. The country is also heavily investing in research and talent development, providing funding for fundamental AI research at universities and state-backed labs. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to transform China’s economy and society through AI, with a projected related industry value exceeding 10 trillion RMB by 2030.